Located 30 minutes south of Vangvieng by car close to Lake Nam Ngum, Vangvieng Posa Handicrafts produces a unique handicraft which meshes two different traditions - paper making and weaving. The project began when the Japan International Co-operation Agency (JICA), Laos, through the Forest Conservation and Afforestation Project (FORCAP), funded the teaching of Japanese paper weaving techniques to local villagers. The craft uses saa (mulberry) paper for woof and cotton or silk for warp; yarns are dyed with natural materials that are available locally, and woven into local patterns. In 2002 Vangvieng Posa Handicraft was commended under the UNESCO-AHPADA Seal of Excellence for Handicraft Products in South East Asia scheme.